The holiday season kicks off this weekend with parades and Christmas events all over the Twin Counties.

GALAX
The Galax Christmas Parade will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday on North Main Street and will end at Felts Park.
Come early for the city’s Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Galax Police Department on North Main Street.
The Galax Downtown Association is still accepting registrations for the parade. There is a $25 fee for businesses, but non-profits, churches and antique autos may enter for free.
Entries must be registered by tomorrow, Thursday, and must be decorated in accordance with this year’s theme “Christmas Wishes.”
Entries will be judged during the parade, and the winners will be announced in The Gazette.
For information and registration forms, please call the GDA Office at 236-0668 or e-mail galaxdowntown@yahoo.com.

FRIES
The Town of Fries will have its Christmas parade at 5 p.m. Dec. 3. It is sponsored by the Fries Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. This year's theme is "A Christmas To Remember."
Refreshments will be served after the parade in the Fries Bingo Hall.
Fries’ Christmas on the Mountain event featuring a Christmas bazaar and country breakfast will be held by the Fries Recreation Center on Dec. 3. Breakfast is at 7 a.m. and the bazaar is at 8 a.m.
A soup lunch begins at 11 a.m. in the rec center’s dining room.
Vendors may call (276) 744-2231 for information. Table spaces cost $10 each.
A holiday homes tour will be held that day at 10 a.m. and noon. Tours begin at the rec center dining room.

INDEPENDENCE
The Town of Independence Christmas parade will be held 3 p.m. Dec. 3.
Line-up is at the First United Methodist Church of Independence.
Santa Claus will be at Grayson National Bank Conference Center following the parade.

HILLSVILLE
The Town of Hillsville’s annual Christmas parade will be Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. on Main Street.
There will be a community Christmas tree lighting following the parade.
The Hale-Wilkinson-Carter Home Foundation will also sponsor a tour of decorated homes Dec. 3 and 4.